Coincheck is a leading Japanese cryptocurrency exchange operated by Coincheck, Inc., a subsidiary of the financial giant Monex Group. Since launching in August 2014, it has grown into one of Japan’s most trusted platforms, known for its user-friendly interface, wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, and innovative services. With over 2.5 million users and top rankings in app downloads among domestic exchanges, Coincheck continues to strengthen its position in the digital asset space.
This comprehensive review explores Coincheck’s key features, benefits, drawbacks, user feedback, and account setup process—providing valuable insights for both beginners and experienced investors.
What Is Coincheck?
Coincheck stands as one of Japan’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, offering 35 digital assets as of July 2025. Backed by Monex Group—a Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime-listed company—Coincheck benefits from strong financial infrastructure and enhanced security standards.
The platform supports two main trading methods:
- Sales Desk (Selling/Buying directly with Coincheck)
- Exchange Trading (Peer-to-peer order book trading)
Additionally, Coincheck provides a suite of value-added services such as automated investing, staking, NFT marketplace access, and utility bill payments using crypto.
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Key Platform Statistics (As of July 2025)
- Cryptocurrencies Supported: 35
- Minimum Investment: ~¥500 (~$3.50 USD equivalent)
- Trading Fee (Exchange): 0%
- Fiat Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: Vary by method
- Available Services: Staking, IEOs, NFTs, Crypto Bill Payments
Coincheck made headlines in May 2025 by listing four new tokens: PEPE, MASK, MANA, and GRT—expanding its altcoin offerings and reinforcing its commitment to innovation.
Coincheck Fees Breakdown
Understanding fees is crucial when choosing a crypto exchange. Here's what you need to know about Coincheck’s fee structure:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | Free |
| Account Maintenance | Free |
| Trading Fee (Exchange) | 0% |
| Trading Fee (Sales Desk) | Spread-based (0.1%–5.0%) |
| JPY Deposit (Bank Transfer) | Bank charges apply |
| JPY Deposit (Convenience Store) | ¥770–¥1,018 |
| JPY Withdrawal | ¥407 |
| Crypto Deposit | Free |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network-dependent |
Zero Trading Fees on Exchange Orders
One of Coincheck’s standout advantages is zero trading fees on its exchange platform, where users trade directly with each other via an order book. This makes it highly competitive compared to other Japanese exchanges that typically charge 0.1% or more per trade.
However, note that:
- The Sales Desk model applies spreads instead of fixed fees, which can be high during volatile periods.
- Not all 35 coins are available on the exchange—only select ones like BTC, ETH, XRP, and DOGE support order book trading.
- Mobile app users are limited to the Sales Desk unless they use the web version.
👉 Compare low-fee trading options across global platforms.
Top Advantages of Using Coincheck
Wide Selection of Cryptocurrencies
With 35 supported cryptocurrencies, Coincheck offers one of the broadest lineups among Japanese exchanges. This includes major players like:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Shiba Inu (SHIB)
- Chainlink (LINK)
It also supports niche tokens like DAI (a decentralized stablecoin), which isn’t widely available on local platforms.
User-Friendly Mobile App Experience
Coincheck’s mobile app has achieved over 7 million downloads, maintaining the No.1 spot in Japan for six consecutive years (source: AppTweak). Its intuitive design allows users to:
- Monitor portfolio performance
- Execute trades instantly
- Deposit/withdraw JPY and crypto
- Access push notifications and widgets
Whether you're a beginner or active trader, the clean layout ensures a smooth experience.
Low Minimum Investment Threshold
You can start investing with just ¥500 (~$3.50)—making it ideal for newcomers who want to test the market without large capital. Fractional purchases allow access to high-priced assets like Bitcoin without buying a full coin.
This accessibility supports dollar-cost averaging strategies through Coincheck Tsumitate (Auto-Invest).
Innovative Additional Services
Beyond basic trading, Coincheck offers several unique features:
1. Coincheck Tsumitate (Auto-Invest)
Automatically invest fixed amounts daily or monthly in BTC, ETH, and other major coins. This leverages the dollar-cost averaging strategy, reducing market timing risk.
2. Coincheck IEO
Participate in early-stage token sales before public listing. Past IEOs include:
- BRILL (Brillian Crypto Token)
- FNCT (Finanche Token)
- PLT (Palette Token)
These offerings give users early access to promising projects.
3. Coincheck NFT Marketplace
Buy and sell digital art and collectibles in yen. The platform emphasizes security and ease-of-use for Japanese collectors.
4. Crypto Utility Payments
Use Bitcoin to pay for everyday expenses:
- Coincheck Denki: Pay electricity bills
- Coincheck Gas: Pay gas bills
Alternatively, earn BTC rewards when paying with fiat.
5. Staking & Lending Services
Earn passive income by:
- Staking ETH via “Coincheck Staking” (launched Jan 2025)
- Lending BTC and other assets for interest
These services provide yield opportunities without active trading.
6. Coincheck Prime (Institutional Service)
For corporate clients with ¥10 million+ in assets or transaction volume:
- OTC desk with preferential rates
- Dedicated support
- Asset locking for tax purposes
- Institutional-grade custody
Corporate Innovation: Exploring Bitcoin Staking for Enterprises
In May 2025, Coincheck partnered with Babylon Labs and Next Finance Tech to explore enterprise-grade Bitcoin staking solutions. This initiative aims to help companies generate returns on their BTC holdings—moving beyond passive storage toward active yield generation.
Potential Drawbacks of Coincheck
While Coincheck excels in many areas, it has some limitations worth noting.
No Leverage or Margin Trading
Unlike platforms such as GMO Coin or DMM Bitcoin, Coincheck does not offer leveraged trading. It discontinued this service in March 2020 and has shown no signs of reintroducing it by mid-2025.
This makes it unsuitable for traders seeking high-risk/high-reward strategies using borrowed funds.
Crypto Withdrawal Fees Can Be High
Sending crypto off-platform incurs network-based fees set by Coincheck. For example:
| BTC Sent | Fee Charged |
|---|---|
| < 0.0005 BTC | 0.0005 BTC |
| ≥ 0.0005 BTC | Up to 0.016 BTC |
At ¥10 million per BTC, this translates to withdrawal costs between ¥1,500 and ¥48,000—significantly higher than competitors who subsidize network fees.
If you plan frequent transfers, this could impact profitability.
Real User Reviews: What Do People Say About Coincheck?
Positive Feedback Highlights
✅ "The app is incredibly intuitive—even complex trades feel simple."
— Male, 48, investor for 4 years
✅ "Great for beginners! The guidance system teaches you how to read charts and place orders."
— Female, 21, investor for 1 year
✅ "High number of altcoins available and backed by Monex Group—gives me peace of mind."
— Male, 28, investor for 4 years
Common praises include:
- Excellent mobile experience
- Broad altcoin selection
- Trustworthiness due to Monex affiliation
- Useful bonus services like IEOs and auto-investing
Negative Feedback Points
⚠️ "Spreads on the sales desk are too wide—bad for short-term traders."
— Male, 33
⚠️ "Limited exchange-traded coins and clunky order book interface."
— Male, 53
Key complaints focus on:
- High spreads on instant buy/sell orders
- Lack of leverage trading
- Relatively expensive crypto withdrawals
- Fewer advanced tools compared to pro-focused exchanges
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Coincheck safe after the 2018 hack?
A: Yes. After the NEM theft incident in 2018, Coincheck joined Monex Group and overhauled its security systems. Funds are now held in cold wallets with strict compliance protocols.
Q: Can I open an account for free?
A: Absolutely. There’s no cost to register or maintain an account. However, only individuals aged 20+ residing in Japan can sign up.
Q: Does Coincheck charge trading fees?
A: No fees apply on peer-to-peer exchange trades. However, the sales desk uses built-in spreads (typically 0.1%–5%) instead of flat fees.
Q: Can I stake cryptocurrencies on Coincheck?
A: Yes. “Coincheck Staking” launched in January 2025 supports Ethereum staking with automatic reward distribution.
Q: Is margin trading available?
A: No. Coincheck currently only supports spot trading. Leverage trading was discontinued in 2020.
Q: How fast is account verification?
A: With “Easy Identity Verification” via the app—including facial scan—you can start trading within one business day.
How to Open a Coincheck Account
Setting up an account takes just minutes:
- Visit coincheck.com → Click "Sign Up"
- Enter email address and create password
- Verify phone number via SMS code
- Input personal details (name, address, etc.)
- Submit ID document (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Complete facial verification ("Easy Identity Check") via app
Once verified, you can deposit yen and begin trading immediately.
👉 Explore alternative exchanges with instant verification and global access.
Current Promotions (July 2025)
Take advantage of these limited-time offers:
Referral Campaign
- Reward: Up to ¥5,000 worth of BTC for new users; ¥2,500 for referrers
- Deadline: July 8, 2025
- Requirements: Valid referral link + completed identity verification
New User Bonus
- Reward: ¥1,000 worth of BTC
- Deadline: July 9, 2025
- Requirements: Complete registration + deposit any amount after verification
Final Verdict: Who Should Use Coincheck?
Coincheck is best suited for:
- Beginners looking for a simple, secure entry point into crypto
- Long-term investors interested in auto-investing and staking
- Japanese residents wanting yen-based transactions and local customer support
- Users who value convenience through bill payments and NFT marketplaces
It may not be ideal for:
- Active traders needing leverage or advanced charting tools
- Frequent crypto senders due to high withdrawal fees
- International users (only Japanese residents accepted)
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With strong backing from Monex Group, continuous product innovation, and a focus on user experience, Coincheck remains a top choice for Japanese investors entering the world of digital assets.